Trump Brokers Peace Deal Between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Ushering in New Era in South Caucasus

In a White House ceremony, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev, respectively, shook hands and signed an agreement aimed at resolving their decades-long conflict. President Donald Trump facilitated the event, clasping his hands around theirs during the handshake.

The agreement, also signed with the United States, focuses on reopening crucial transportation routes. A key component is the creation of a major transit corridor, to be named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. Trump expressed his appreciation for the honor, while a senior administration official noted that the name was suggested by the Armenian side.

Trump has actively sought to be seen as a peacemaker. Both leaders acknowledged Trump's and his team's role in the breakthrough. The agreement aims to establish a more stable relationship between the two nations. The route will connect Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan exclave, addressing a long-standing point of contention. For Azerbaijan, it also provides a more direct link to Turkey and Europe.

The signing of the deal also represents a shift in geopolitical influence, potentially diminishing Russia's presence in the region. The U.S. administration began engaging with Armenia and Azerbaijan earlier in the year, with discussions focused on a "regional reset." Negotiations regarding the development of the Trump Route, which will include rail lines, pipelines, and fiber optic lines, are expected to begin soon.

Separate agreements were signed between the United States and both Armenia and Azerbaijan, focusing on cooperation in energy, technology, and the economy. The agreement aims to fully unlock the potential of the South Caucasus region.

The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict has persisted for decades, stemming from the control of the Karabakh region. The area, largely populated by Armenians during the Soviet era, is located within Azerbaijan. The two nations have engaged in multiple violent clashes, resulting in significant casualties.

Azerbaijan's recent reclamation of Karabakh and its insistence on a land bridge to Nakhchivan had been major obstacles in peace talks. However, the prospect of closer ties with the United States, along with easier access to the landlocked nation, helped entice Armenia to agree to the broader agreement. Meanwhile, Russia's stance during Azerbaijan's 2023 offensive has led Armenia to reduce Russian influence and turn westward.